The Form of the Arbitration Agreement – Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The issue of the form of the arbitration clause, which is applicable in Poland, in legal systems of other countries and in the international law is an issue of a significant importance, due to far reaching legal implications arising from the form chosen. Firstly, the accuracy of the arbitration clause determines the admissibility of the dispute settlement by the arbitral court. In addition, the recognition of the allegation of improper arbitration clause (invalid or improper clause) may give a rise to an action for annulment of the arbitral court judgment. The adopted form of the arbitration agreement has also an effect on the admissibility of the arbitration award’s recognition in another country. The aim of the article is to compare and contrast legal solutions used for the form of an arbitration clause in Polish and foreign legislations, as well as to determine the tendencies in this field. The evaluation of the obligations under the New York Convention and UNCITRAL Model Law that have been imposed on states parties will be conducted. Also, main practical problems related to the issue of the arbitration clause and the implications for contemporary economic relations in the field of the liberalization of the arbitration agreement form will be highlighted.